HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinelip swelling

When will my lip swelling subside after the stitches?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I recently got two dissolvable stitches in my upper lip after being hit in the mouth by a baseball, and I am wondering how long it usually takes for the swelling to go away. It has been two to three days since I got the stitches, and my lip is still very swollen, especially in one area where it bulges out. Will this go away soon or at all?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Santhosh. S

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Santhosh. S is a General Physician and Nuclear Medicine Specialist, proficient in diagnosing and managing a wide range of internal medical conditions and utilizing advanced nuclear imaging technologies for precise disease evaluation. He is skilled in conducting diagnostic nuclear scans using radiopharmaceuticals to assess organ function in the thyroid, heart, kidneys, bones, lungs, and liver. He is proficient in Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans used in oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

The upper lip is a part of the body that has a high blood supply. Hence, the inflammatory reaction will also be high, leading to a swollen lip as an exaggerated protective mechanism. It should subside in the next three to four days, provided you take the anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your doctor regularly.

You may try keeping ice cubes wrapped in a cloth over the swollen lip without disturbing the stitches. Avoid hot foods and excessive lip movement, as this can increase swelling and delay healing. Try to keep the area clean and avoid touching it frequently. Soft foods can help reduce strain on the lip while eating.

In rare situations, if you notice any pus, which appears as a thick, cloudy fluid containing infectious material, consider it an emergency and consult a doctor immediately. Wishing you a speedy and painless wound healing and recovery, and hope you get back to playing baseball soon.

Also, make sure you take proper rest and drink enough water, as it helps your body heal faster. Follow your doctor’s advice regularly and try not to worry, as this kind of swelling is usually temporary and improves soon.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 6, 2026
Reviewed At May 11, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Santhosh. S is a General Physician and Nuclear Medicine Specialist, proficient in diagnosing and managing a wide range of internal medical conditions and utilizing advanced nuclear imaging technologies for precise disease evaluation. He is skilled in conducting diagnostic nuclear scans using radiopharmaceuticals to assess organ function in the thyroid, heart, kidneys, bones, lungs, and liver. He is proficient in Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans used in oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Santhosh. S is a General Physician and Nuclear Medicine Specialist, proficient in diagnosing and managing a wide range of internal medical conditions and utilizing advanced nuclear imaging technologies for precise disease evaluation. He is skilled in conducting diagnostic nuclear scans using radiopharmaceuticals to assess organ function in the thyroid, heart, kidneys, bones, lungs, and liver. He is proficient in Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans used in oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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